West Ham United: Ghana star Mohammed Kudus injury ‘worse than first feared’
Another update has been provided on the injury West Ham ace Mohammed Kudus is carrying ahead of the start of the Africa Cup of Nations.
The versatile forward missed Ghana’s 0-0 friendly draw with Namibia at Baba Yara Stadium on Monday (8 January).
Ghana boss Chris Hughton said after the match that he has been keeping West Ham in the loop with regards to the problem.
The Black Stars were hopeful of having Kudus back for their AFCON opener against Cape Verde on 14 January, but that may not be the case.
In an article titled “Mohammed Kudus hamstring injury worse than first feared” for 3News Ghana [9 January], Owuraku Ampofo wrote: “The forward was expected to join his teammates last week but that has been delayed as he will need around 5-6 days more to be fully fit.
“He’s in Ghana with physiotherapists working around the clock to help the former Ajax player recover in time. He will join Ghana’s team to travel on Wednesday to Ivory Coast for the AFCON.
“It remains to be seen whether Hughton might want to risk Kudus in the first game against Cape Verde given he won’t be 100% fit after missing a chunk of the training camp and the friendly against Namibia.”
AFCON debut could be delayed
Kudus will be desperate to play a part for his country, having missed the previous instalment of the tournament two years ago with a rib injury.
However, both the player and boss Hughton have to be careful as there is no need to risk aggravating what is still considered a minor problem.
If the 23-year-old needs five or six more days to be fit, it is fair to say he will not be match ready to face Cape Verde in the group opener.
Ghana then take on Egypt on 18 January in a huge match, which looks ideal for Kudus to make his return to action.
The worst fears of every West Ham fan was that Kudus would return from international duty injured.
As it is, he has arrived carrying a problem but will hopefully shake it off and instead return to London Stadium raring to go.
For now, let’s just hope there are no negative developments with regards to this hamstring complaint.
In other West Ham news, Micah Richards has been left baffled by a transfer link suggested to him live on BBC.